Looking for the ultimate fishing trip off Fort Walton Beach? Our 12-hour charter is the real deal. We're talking serious offshore action, mixing up bottom fishing and trolling to maximize your chances of hooking into some monster fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll show you the ropes on everything from working the outriggers to picking the perfect lure. By the time we're done, you'll be reeling in grouper, snapper, and pelagics like a pro.
This ain't your average day on the boat. We're heading way offshore, where the big boys play. You'll get your hands dirty with both bottom fishing and trolling techniques. We'll start by dropping lines for grouper and snapper, using live bait and cut bait to tempt those reef dwellers. Then we'll switch gears and set up the spread for trolling. You'll learn how to rig outriggers and choose the right lures to entice mahi-mahi, wahoo, and other speedsters cruising the blue water. With 12 hours on the water, we've got plenty of time to find the hot spots and put you on the fish.
On this trip, you're getting a crash course in offshore fishing tactics. For bottom fishing, we'll show you how to read the fish finder, pick the right weight for your rig, and feel for that telltale thump of a big grouper taking the bait. When we switch to trolling, you'll learn the art of setting a spread that mimics a school of baitfish. We'll cover everything from choosing the right lure colors to adjusting your trolling speed to match the conditions. By the end of the day, you'll have a whole new toolkit of fishing skills to brag about back at the dock.
Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish, are one of the stars of our offshore show. These acrobatic fighters are known for their stunning colors and delicious meat. They love to hang around floating debris, so keep your eyes peeled for weedlines or floating pallets. Mahi can grow up to 30 pounds in our waters, and they're most active in the warmer months from late spring through early fall.
Wahoo are the speedsters of the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. These sleek, striped predators are a prized catch, known for their smoking runs and tasty white meat. We typically target wahoo by high-speed trolling with specialized lures. They're around year-round, but peak season is usually late summer through fall when the water temps are just right.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing in the Gulf. These hard-fighting fish are a favorite for their firm, white fillets. They hang around reefs and wrecks, and can grow up to 20 pounds or more. The season for red snapper is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on. We'll drop down live bait or cut chunks to tempt these tasty reef dwellers.
Lane snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they're just as fun to catch and equally delicious on the plate. These feisty little guys typically range from 1-3 pounds and love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs. We can target them year-round, making them a reliable catch when other species might be off the menu.
Our 12-hour trip isn't just a fishing charter; it's a full-on offshore experience. You're not just dropping a line and hoping for the best. We're out here putting in the work, switching up techniques, and covering serious water to find the fish. It's the kind of trip where you might start the day battling a big grouper on the bottom and end it with a smoking wahoo run that'll have your arms burning. Plus, with our crew's local knowledge, you're tapping into years of experience on these waters. We know where the fish are biting and how to put you on them.
If you're ready to step up your fishing game and experience the best offshore action Fort Walton Beach has to offer, this 12-hour charter is calling your name. We've got room for up to 6 anglers, so grab your buddies and get ready for a day you won't forget. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks, 'cause we'll be out there putting in work from sunup to sundown. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this world-class fishing. Give us a call, and let's get you on the books for the offshore adventure of a lifetime. The big ones are waiting – are you ready to bend some rods?
Lane snapper are the perfect "dessert fish" - a tasty bonus when you're after other species. These pink-and-yellow striped snappers run 1-3 pounds on average. Look for them around inshore reefs and rocky bottoms in 20-200 feet of water. They're here year-round but bite best March to September during spawning season. Lane snapper are aggressive and make for fun light-tackle action. The meat is sweet and flaky - great for fish tacos. To target them, use small hooks and pieces of squid or cut bait near the bottom. A good trick is chumming with some crushed shellfish to get a bite frenzy going. Just be ready for other species to crash the party too!
Mahi Mahi are a blast to catch and great eating too. These colorful speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds but can get up to 80. Look for them near floating debris or weedlines in open water. They're here year-round but peak in summer and fall. Mahi put on an acrobatic show when hooked, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Their firm white meat is delicious grilled or blackened. To up your odds, troll with rigged ballyhoo or small lures that skip on the surface - Mahi can't resist chasing down a fleeing "flying fish." Once you hook one, keep the boat moving. More Mahi will often follow their hooked buddy right to the boat.
Red snapper are the kings of the Gulf reefs. These ruby-colored beauties average 5-10 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them holding tight to structure in 60-300 feet of water. Peak season is June through August when they move to shallower spawning grounds. Red snapper put up a great fight and taste even better. Firm white fillets are perfect for just about any recipe. To land a big one, drop large live baits like pinfish or cigar minnows straight down over rocky bottom or reefs. Keep your rod tip up when you feel the bite - these guys like to dive for cover fast. The meat is worth the work!
Wahoo are the drag-screaming torpedoes of the ocean. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet long but can top 8 feet and 100 pounds. We find them year-round in deep blue water, often near drop-offs or underwater structure. Wahoo are fastest in late summer and fall when water temps peak. Trolling is the way to go - they'll smoke a lure at high speed. Once hooked, hang on tight. Wahoo make blistering runs and will test your gear. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Pro tip: Use wire leaders and keep that trolling speed up around 12-15 knots. Wahoo love to chase down a fast-moving lure.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit Diesels
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 620